Ahmedabad: The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) and Customs authorities have busted a major drug smuggling attempt at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, seizing 6.8 kg of suspected heroin from a Chennai-based passenger. The contraband, estimated to be worth around ₹6.8 crore in the international market, was cleverly hidden inside packets resembling natural and herbal soaps.
Officials identified the accused as Kutub Sihabuddin Abbas Ali, who arrived in Ahmedabad from Kuala Lumpur on AirAsia flight AK91. He was intercepted at the international terminal during routine passenger profiling after attempting to exit through the green channel.
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Customs officers said Ali’s behaviour appeared suspicious, prompting them to stop him for questioning. He denied carrying any prohibited items and was asked to pass through a door metal detector. His baggage was subsequently subjected to X-ray screening, which revealed irregular shapes raising suspicion of concealed material.
A detailed examination of the bag led to the recovery of 29 packets that appeared to be herbal soap bars. When cut open, each packet was found to contain a narcotic substance. Officers also recovered three white covers wrapped in silver foil and carbon paper, which were similarly stuffed with drugs.
Samples of the seized material have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for chemical analysis. Preliminary assessment indicates the substance to be heroin, officials said.
Attempted smuggling via green channel
Investigators believe the accused deliberately chose the green channel — meant for passengers with nothing to declare — to bypass scrutiny. Authorities noted that traffickers increasingly use this route to move narcotics discreetly through international airports.
Initial findings suggest the consignment may be linked to an organised cross-border drug syndicate. The accused is currently being questioned to ascertain the intended recipients of the shipment and identify other individuals involved in the operation.
Customs officials said Ali’s travel history, call data records and financial transactions are being examined to trace the wider network behind the smuggling attempt.
Case booked under NDPS Act
A case has been registered against the accused under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. He is expected to be produced before a court shortly, following which investigators will seek custodial remand for further interrogation.
Authorities said efforts are underway to determine whether similar consignments have previously entered the country using comparable concealment methods.
Sources indicated that Ahmedabad airport has witnessed a rise in drug seizure cases over recent months, prompting tighter surveillance, enhanced profiling of international passengers and more rigorous scanning procedures.
Focus on international routes
Officials said special attention is now being paid to flights arriving from Southeast Asian destinations, which are considered high-risk corridors for narcotics trafficking. The AIU and Customs have stepped up coordination to detect concealment techniques involving everyday consumer products such as soaps, food packets and cosmetic items.
Senior officers reiterated a zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking and said enforcement agencies are determined to dismantle trafficking networks operating across borders.
They added that the latest arrest could provide critical leads into a larger supply chain and help identify handlers operating overseas.
“With increased intelligence-led checks and advanced screening systems, we aim to intercept such consignments at the entry point itself,” an official said, adding that sustained vigilance would continue across major international airports.
Investigators remain hopeful that questioning of the accused and forensic analysis of the seized drugs will yield vital clues, potentially leading to further arrests and recovery of proceeds of crime linked to the international narcotics trade.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
